In developing the oral health strategy, we have actually contracted a local dentist here in the Northwest Territories to provide some oversight and direction on that. We also have some staff members involved. We are looking at changing the way that we provide oral health services. Some of the things we are hoping to accomplish is to create an integrated oral health program for children within the NWT at all ages, not just the ones in the school system.

We are looking at delivering more prevention/promotion activities with an emphasis on oral health as a part of the overall health, not as a separate program. We are looking at working with our existing staff and providing them with the resources and tools they need and incorporating with other programs like the healthy family program so the information is getting out there and is seen as overall health and the incredible value that maintaining good oral health has on your overall health. It is a change in direction. It is working with our staff to provide more resources. We are not at this point in time looking to train people to occupy the dental therapist positions. We think we are evolving into a better system that is going to provide better results for all residents, especially youth zero to five and in the school system, as well.